How to Research the Value of Rare Books

With the power of the Internet at our fingertips, researching rare books isn't quite the chore it used to be in days gone by. Now with libraries on-line and Web sites such as Amazon.com, finding the value and condition of rare books is easy and convenient. Check out the following article for tips and hints on how to go about finding the value of rare books that you may come across in your travels. I once bought a book for a quarter at a library and found it was worth $247.00. To sell it fast I sold it on Amazon.com for $50.00 for a quick sale; it sold within seconds of going up and I made quite a tidy profit!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer

Compare Sites to Find an Average Price

1. Visit a Web site like Amazon.com or Alibris.com to compare the price of the book you are interested in researching. You will find information about the condition of the book, as well as if it is a first edition copy, signed by the author, or contains a handwritten message from the author.

2. Examine the book, as the condition of the book is very important in determining its value. Books that do not contain markings, discoloration, loose or missing pages, or a torn or loose spine, receive a higher value. Remember: many considerations are taken into account to value a rare book.

3. Compare various Web sites carrying the same book you want to value and find an average price. (Be sure that each copy is in the same condition.) Check out: Dis-dis.com, Housingworks.org, Goldeneyebooks.com or Bookfinder.com.

4. Decide if you want to keep the rare book or sell the book at its current value.

[xyzmark]

on 3/20/2009 This is some good information. A good place to start before you spend money on an appraiser is www.ValueJockey.com. It is free. I would recommend using the tips from this article and posting a picture up there. Good Luck!!!